The sport of disc golf has been popular for a while now in BC and the qathet region. Many folks just play for fun, however, the golf-like game, using a flying disc, is also played competitively.
This past May, grade-four student at École Côte-du-Soleil Luca Jantz secured the title of BC Junior Disc Golf Champion in the . Luca was also the 2023 BC champion in the , and in 2024, he moved up to at nine years old, placing second place, only two points behind first place.
According to Luca's mom, Margot Jantz, her son has qualified for the Junior World Disc Golf Championship this July in Emporia, Kansas.
The Peak asked mother and son about his beginnings and experiences in the sport.
Peak: When and how did Luca get started playing disc golf?
Margo: “Luca began throwing a disc as a toddler. His father, Nathan Jantz, grew up playing ultimate frisbee in Saskatoon, and later in Vancouver. Nathan moved up to the Sunshine Coast and picked up disc golf. Once Luca was toddling around, going in the backyard to throw a disc like his dad was a favourite pastime of his.”
Peak: What do you enjoy about this sport?
Luca: “I like that it’s a solo sport, I enjoy being in control of my own game. I also like that it is an easy sport to start out with, but you can also get into a lot of detail and refinement with your throwing technique and discs if you want to.”
Peak: What specific skills need to be developed in order to be a good player?
Luca: “You can’t let frustration get to you and it’s important to keep a level head and have fun. Also, if you have time to practice, make sure to focus on your putting because this is where you can improve your score the most.”
He added that there are two main throwing styles for long shots: Backhand and forehand.
Luca: "Backhand is a throw where the back of your hand leads as your hand pulls forward to launch your disc. This is the style most people will throw a frisbee with. Forehand leads with the front/palm of your hand, like a flick. This is my dominant throwing style and why I was given the name ‘flickmaster’ at competitions.”
He added that he learns new skills by watching top athletes throwing styles and practicing in the backyard most days.
Peak: Do you play in teams or is this an individual sport?
Luca: "This is mostly an individual sport but sometimes there are games put together called doubles, with two players on a team. Both players throw when their turn is up and they play off their best shot."
Peak: What are you looking forward to on this trip? Any concerns about this championship?
Luca: "I am going into this competition focusing on the opportunity to compete at a world event, while representing as a Canadian player from the Sunshine Coast. I can be pretty competitive, but don’t want to set expectations of myself too high for something like this because there will be some pretty great players there."
Peak: Do you have any advice for kids who want to play, but are not sure how or where?
Luca: "The three courses I go to most are Larry Gouthro [Park], Sunset [Park] and Craig Park. Larry Gouthro is a nice place to start as the holes aren’t far and it’s close to town. The game works like golf; you start each hole at a tee pad and try to get the frisbee into the basket with the least amount of throws."
Peak: Where is your favourite place to play disc golf ?
Luca: "Raptors Knoll in Abbotsford, BC, is my favourite course to have played on. I have won two provincial championships there. We have so many great courses in qathet, too, but my favourite is Craig Park. It’s really beautiful, the terrain changes keep things interesting, and it’s peaceful."
Luca suggested starting by throwing discs in an open field and watching videos on YouTube. Watch Luca at on Instagram.
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